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In this article, we will look at all possible ways, from basic settings to advanced methods using ADB and modifying system files. It is important to understand that some actions require super-user rights (root) or unlocking the bootloader, which can affect the warranty and security of the device, we will specify the risks for each method so that you can choose the best option.
If you want to not just change the default browser, but completely get rid of the Mi Browser (including its background processes and updates), prepare yourself for the fact that you will need deep intervention in the system. For beginners, the first two methods will suit, experienced users can consider options with ADB or custom firmware.
Why does Mi Browser return after being deleted?
Mi Browser is integrated into MIUI at the system application level, which means:
- 🔄 It automatically recovers after resetting settings or updating the firmware.
- 🛡️ The system blocks its complete removal without root rights.
- 📦 Even after the installation, ADB Some components remain in the folder /system/priv-app/.
- 🔗 The application is tied to Xiaomi Cloud and data synchronization services.
Mi Browser is also often used to display web content in other system applications (such as Mi Video or Mi Community), and its removal can cause disruptions to these services, but if you're willing to take risks, here's a list of methods from the safest to the most radical.
Important! Before any manipulation of system files, back up your data. Use Mi Cloud or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).
Method 1: Change the default browser through settings
The easiest and most secure method is to simply assign another browser to the primary browser, which won't delete Mi Browser, but stops opening links in it automatically.
Instructions:
- Install an alternative browser (such as Chrome) from Google Play.
- Open any application that uses web links (such as Telegram or Twitter).
- Click on the link - a window will appear with the choice of browser.
- Select the browser you want and tick the “Always” (or “Use by default”) box.
If the selection window does not appear:
- 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Mi Browser.
- 📵 Click "Cancel Default Settings" (if the button is active).
- 🔄 Restart the device and try again.
This method does not remove the Mi Browser, but prevents it from automatically running.The application will remain in the system and consume resources in the background.
💡
If after changing the browser by default, links still open in Mi Browser, clear the cache and data of the Android System WebView application in the settings.
Method 2: Disable Mi Browser without root (via ADB)
If you need to completely deactivate Mi Browser without deleting, you can use the ADB command. This does not require root rights, but you will need a computer and Android Debug Bridge debugging bridge.
Step-by-step:
- Enable the developer mode on your smartphone: 🔧 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. 🔨 Click on the line "Version" MIUI" 7 times until the notification “You became a developer” appears!".
USB-debugging
- 🔧 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- 🔌 Turn on the "Debugging by" switch. USB".
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser For Mi Browser (if the standard command didn't work): adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.browser
Once you've done the command, the app will disappear from the menu and stop working. To get it back, use:
adb shell pm enable com.miui.browserInstall ADB-PC-driver|
Enable the developer mode on Xiaomi|
Activate debugging via USB|
Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable |
Check the connection with the adb device command-->
Method 3: Remove Mi Browser via ADB (without root)
If disabling is not enough, you can try to uninstall the application via ADB. This method does not work on all versions of MIUI, since the system can restore deleted files after restarting.
Deinstallation team:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.browserPossible problems and solutions:
- ❌ Failure's mistake [DELETE_FAILED_INTERNAL_ERROR]" → Try to disable the application first (method) 2), remove.
- 🔄 After updating MIUI The browser may return → Repeat the procedure or consider root.
- 📵 Some features (such as web browsing in Mi Video) will stop working.
On some devices (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 13), this method is blocked by the MiuiSystemUI service.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 4: Removal with root rights
If you're ready to root, you can completely erase Mi Browser from the system. This is the most radical method, but it's guaranteed to remove the app forever.
Instructions:
- Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding and a wait of 7-14 days).
- Install custom recavers (TWRP) and firmware with support for root (such as Magisk).
- Use a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or Mixplorer).
- Delete the following files and folders: 📁 /system/priv-app/MiuiBrowser/ 📁 /system/app/MiuiBrowser/ (if there is) 📄 /data/app/com.miui.browser-*/ (residual)
Warnings:
⚠️ Attention! Removing system applications can lead to unstable operation MIUI, Mistakes in Xiaomi Cloud services and problems with the OTA-Before the action, create a full backup through TWRP.
The alternative is to freeze the application via Magisk or Titanium Backup, which is less risky than deleting it completely, but has a similar effect.
Method 5: Using custom firmware
If you’re tired of MIUI restrictions, you can switch to custom firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS. They don’t have the default Mi Browser, and the system is devoid of most proprietary Xiaomi services.
Pros and cons:
| Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|
| 🚀 Complete absence of Mi Browser and other Xiaomi system applications | ⚠️ Loss of warranty and risk of “bricking” the device |
| 🔄 Regular security updates from the community | 📵 Possible problems with the camera, NFC or sensors (depending on the model) |
| 🛡️ No forced advertising and telemetry fees | 🔧 Requires unlocking the bootloader and technical skills |
Recommended firmware for popular Xiaomi models:
- 📱 Redmi Note 11 Pro+ → Pixel Experience (Stable Camera)
- 📱 POCO F4 → LineageOS 20 (minimalistic Android)
- 📱 Xiaomi 12T → ArrowOS (maximum customization)
⚠️ Attention! Custom firmware installation erases all data from the device. Also some models (e.g. Redmi) K50 MediaTek processor has problems unlocking the bootloader.
What do you do if nothing helps?
If none of these methods worked, consider the following alternatives:
- 🔄 Reset to factory settings (sometimes helps if the browser is "stuck" after an update).
- 📥 Hand-mounted APK Alternative browser (e.g. Chrome Beta or Kiwi Browser).
- 🛠️ Use Launchers (such as Nova Launcher) that allow you to hide system applications.
- 📡 Turning off the Internet for Mi Browser via Settings → Annexes → Mi Browser → Mobile data and Wi-Fi.
If the problem is with automatically opening links in Mi Browser even after changing your default browser, check the following settings:
- Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Settings (⚙️) → Default applications.
- Find the "Browser" section and reset the settings.
- Delete the Mi Browser cache and data manually.
adb shell cmd package clear-defaults com.miui.browser